Glentoran Football Club, in partnership with Ashfield Boys’ High School, will host an Information Evening for the Glentoran Elite Scholarship Programme on Wednesday 22nd April (6.30pm) at Ashfield Boys’ High School, as applications open for the 2026/27 student intake.

The programme is open to Year 12 pupils, boys and girls, who want to combine elite football training with further education, offering students the opportunity to study a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport, equivalent to three A-levels.

Delivered jointly by Glentoran FC and Ashfield Boys’ High School, the full-time programme places students in a professional football environment where they train daily under the guidance of UEFA-qualified coaches.

Since launching in 2019, the scholarship programme has developed a strong reputation for supporting young players both on and off the pitch, with graduates progressing to university study, scholarships in the United States and opportunities within the game.

Graduates Cillian McCann, Ciaran Rogers-Duffy and Cal Weatherup have all featured for Glentoran’s first team in the club’s Irish Cup tie against Strabane Athletic early this season, demonstrating a clear progression from the classroom to the senior environment.

Beyond the pitch, former scholar Leon Tierney now working full-time with the club as a First Team Analyst, highlighting the broader career pathways the Elite Scholarship Programme can open within professional football.

Jacko, Glentoran Academy Manager, said: “The Elite Scholarship Programme plays a hugely important role in our long-term player development pathway at Glentoran. It allows talented young footballers to continue their education while training daily within a professional football environment under the guidance of our UEFA qualified coaches.

“Our partnership with Ashfield Boys’ High School gives students the opportunity to pursue both their sporting ambitions and their academic goals at the same time. It is about developing well rounded young people who are equipped with the qualifications and life skills needed to succeed both inside and outside the game.

“We are already seeing graduates progress into our first team environment and into roles within the wider game, which is a great reflection of the pathway the programme is creating. It is something we are extremely proud of.”

Alistair Duffield, Principal at Ashfield Boys’ High School, said: “Our partnership with Glentoran Football Club gives young people a real opportunity to combine their education with elite level football development. The programme allows students to continue their studies in a supportive school environment while training regularly with experienced coaches in a professional club setting.

“The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport is an excellent qualification that provides clear pathways to university, scholarships abroad and careers across the sports industry. We are very proud of the progress the programme has made and look forward to welcoming the next group of students who are passionate about both their education and their football.”

The Information Evening will give prospective students and their families the opportunity to meet coaching and teaching staff, learn more about the programme and explore the facilities used by scholarship students.

To attend the Information Evening for the Glentoran Elite Scholarship Programme on Wednesday 22nd April at 6:30pm (Ashfield Boys’ High School), please complete the expression of interest form via the link: https://form.jotform.com/NexaPro/glentoran-fc-scholarship-programme.